Hearing Aids

Hearing loss can affect relationships, school performance, job productivity and emotional well-being. Despite this, only about 20% of people whose hearing losses could be successfully helped by hearing aids actually get them. The most common reason for this is that most people don’t realize that the majority of hearing losses can be treated with hearing aids. They also don’t realize or want to acknowledge that a hearing loss can be the cause of embarrassment, social stress, tension and fatigue that is felt when interacting and communicating with family members, friends and work associates.

Successful hearing aid users are those who are motivated to improve their communication by improving their ability to hear and listen and have the support of their family and friends. Most importantly, they have realistic expectations about what they can achieve with hearing aids. In other words, they understand what hearing aids can and cannot do.

How To Purchase A Hearing Aid
The hearing aid selection process starts with a complete diagnostic hearing assessment by an audiologist. If you are a hearing aid candidate, the audiologist will obtain a medical clearance from your physician that states that you do not have any medical conditions preventing you from wearing a hearing aid. Then, your audiologist will conduct a hearing aid evaluation or selection procedure. During this evaluation, the audiologist will discuss the different styles and technologies that are available and which ones are most appropriate for you. The discussion will also include an explanation of policies and procedures for dispensing aids, hearing aid costs, and what you can expect to experience and achieve with a hearing aid. Finally, impressions of your ear canals will be taken and sent to the manufacturer so that your hearing aids and/or earmolds can be custom made. Once your hearing aids are made, you will return for a hearing aid fitting. The audiologist will make sure your hearing aids feel comfortable and that the hearing aids are providing you with the right amount of amplification. The fitting appointment will include extensive counseling on the use and care of the hearing aid. Finally, follow-up appointments may be scheduled if further adjustments are needed.

Styles of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are available in four basic styles:

  • Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
    The circuits of this type of hearing aid fit in a case that is worn behind the ear and is connected to a custom fit earmold.

  • In-The-Ear (ITE)
    These custom instruments fit entirely in the outer portion of the ear.

  • In-The-Canal (ITC)
    These custom instruments are smaller than the ITE and fit entirely in the ear canals. Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) The smallest available custom instrument that fits deep into the ear canals.

Myths and Facts About Hearing Aids

Myth:
Hearing aids can restore hearing to normal just like eyeglasses can give you “20/20” vision.
Fact:
Hearing aids cannot restore hearing to normal. They are not a cure for hearing loss. Hearing aids provide benefit and improvement by increasing your ability to hear and listen to sound and speech through amplification.

Myth:
A hearing aid will damage your hearing
Fact:
A properly fit and maintained hearing aid will not damage your hearing. Likewise, a hearing aid cannot prevent your hearing from getting worse in the future.

Myth:
My hearing loss is not bad enough for a hearing aid.
Fact:
Everyone’s hearing loss and listening needs are different. An audiologist can help you determine how much a hearing aid will improve your hearing ability.

Myth:
Wearing two hearing aids is no better than just wearing one.
Fact:
Binaural hearing helps us localize sounds, assists us in noisy settings and provides a more natural sound quality. One hearing aid cannot provide these benefits if hearing loss exists in both ears.

Myth:
All hearing aids are all the same, so it doesn’t matter what kind or style you get.
Fact:
There are several styles and types of hearing aids, including programmable and digital hearing aids. What is most important is that you purchase a hearing aid that accommodates your hearing loss and your individual listening needs. Just because your friend or relative uses a particular hearing aid style does not mean that it will be appropriate for your hearing loss and situation.

Myth:
You can save money by buying hearing aids online or by mail order.
Fact:
Mail order and online hearing aid sales are not appropriate for most people. Purchasing a hearing aid requires professional care and service, including appropriate evaluation, referral for medical treatment if and when necessary, instruction on how to care for and use the hearing aid, follow-up care and support, repair services, and rehabilitation services. You cannot receive these services through mail order sales.

Myth:
Hearing aids are too expensive
Fact:
Cost is relative. There is a wide range of hearing aid prices depending on the style and technology chosen. For many people, the improved communication ability and quality of life that can be achieved through hearing aid use make it one of the best investments they’ve ever made.

The audiologists at St. John Hospital and Medical Center are equipped to provide a complete range of audiologic and vestibular testing and rehabilitative services, including hearing aid selection and dispensing.

Appointments
Appointments can be scheduled by contacting the Audiology department 313-343-3165. You can also contact audiologists at St. John Hospital via e-mail at audiology@stjohn.org

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